Arne Slot replacement odds slashed after Xabi Alonso joins Chelsea with new favourite named

A new name has emerged as the favourite to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool following Xabi Alonso's appointment as Chelsea manager.

To say Liverpool's defence of their Premier League title has been a disappointment feels like the understatement of the season.

With just one match left in the season, the reigning champions are yet to secure a place in the Champions League next season and may need to rely on Bournemouth to lose to qualify.

From the 37 matches played so far, Liverpool have won just 17 while losing 12, leaving them fifth in the Premier League table with 59 points ahead of welcoming Brentford to Anfield for their final match.

Such dismal form has of course led to questions over the future of manager Slot, with many fans calling for the Dutchman to be sacked at several points during the campaign.

Since his dismissal from his position as Real Madrid manager back in January, Liverpool legend has been heavily linked with succeeding Slot should he also lose his job.

However, following the confirmation that the Spaniard has instead penned a signed a four‑year contract with rivals Chelsea that will start in July, the odds have shifted, naming Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique as the new favourite.

As it stands, Enrique is priced at 7/2 to take over in the Anfield dugout, ahead of Fulham manager Andoni Iraola (4/1) and Stuttgart boss Sebastian Hoeness (9/2).

German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner, Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp and Aston Villa manager Unai Emery are also listed.

Although it is not certain if Enrique wants to leave PSG, having won the Champions League with the French side last season and taken them to the final again this year, it is currently not believed that he will sign a new contract ahead of his current deal expiring in 2027.

Should he decide to leave the French giants. it's almost certain that he would seriously consider a move to Liverpool if the Reds came knocking for his signature.

Will Arne Slot be sacked in the summer?

Of course, any discussions over a new Liverpool manager would first require current boss Slot to be sacked, with his current contract keeping him in the job until June, 2027.

As it stands, it appears that, despite the recent form, Liverpool plan to stand by Slot in the immediate future, with The Times‘ Paul Joyce reporting that he will be in charge at the start of next season.

He claims that Liverpool “are planning a pivotal summer transfer window” and will hope to address the “design faults in the squad which persist despite last summer’s £450 million spending spree.”

Only then will the board consider Slot's future as manager, meaning he is likely to remain in the job for the foreseeable future.